When it comes to flossing, most people will either give you a blank stare or reply with a lukewarm: “I do it sometimes.” While it may be an unpopular activity, it’s an essential one if you want to keep your teeth and gums in good condition.
This is because every time you eat a meal, food particles stay stuck in between your teeth. It doesn’t matter how careful you are. It doesn’t matter how little you eat. Even if you’re only drinking liquids, the sugar contained in some drinks will form a transparent film that sticks to the surface of your pearly whites. If you fail to take care of it, plaque will start building up on your teeth. When it hardens, you may even notice a little bit of blood when you brush. This is known as gingivitis, which is the early stages of gum disease. Left untreated for long periods of time, it could result in tooth decay.
The American Dental Association recommends that you floss once a day. Whether you do it first thing in the morning, right after your lunch, or at bedtime doesn’t really matter. The important thing is to fit it into your schedule religiously as you do with eating meals or brushing your teeth.
It’s not only important to get into the habit of flossing daily, you also have to know how to do it well. Quickly sliding string in between your teeth is not enough. To floss correctly, tear several inches of floss and wrap it around your fingers. Once you insert it in between your teeth, slide it up and down and side to side, gently wrapping the floss around each tooth individually.
It may seem like a time consuming hassle, the reality is that it only takes a couple of minutes, and once you get used to it, it will become second nature. Not only will your mouth feel cleaner, you’ll also have fresher breath and you’ll likely spend less time at the dentist.
Supplementing daily flossing
As you can see, ensuring good oral health takes a symphony of elements: Brushing is essential, but brushing alone won’t solve all issues. Flossing is crucial, but flossing and brushing alone is not enough. Dental cleanings are important, because dental instruments can tackle harder to reach places or hardened calculus (calcified plaque).
For best oral health, you should do all three.
We understand that going to the dentist isn’t anyone’s favorite activity. However, one of our priorities is to make our patients feel welcome and comfortable.
Contact us and let us keep your teeth healthy.
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